YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Overview

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a quick, painless laser eye procedure often done after cataract surgery. Sometimes, after a successful cataract operation, a part of the lens capsule (called the posterior capsule) becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can blur your vision—making it feel like cataracts are coming back. YAG laser capsulotomy helps restore clear vision by using a laser to make a small opening in the cloudy capsule behind your artificial lens. It is also called post-cataract laser surgery or posterior capsulotomy.

Why YAG Laser Capsulotomy Treatment is Required?

To restore vision blurred due to posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

When you feel like your cataract is returning after surgery (though it’s not—it’s the capsule getting cloudy).

To improve quality of life by bringing back clear, sharp sight.

To avoid long-term dependency on glasses or further vision loss.

Recommended if vision doesn’t improve with spectacles after cataract surgery.

Key Advantages of YAG Laser Capsulotomy Treatment

Quick outpatient yag procedure, usually takes just 5–10 minutes.

No pain or stitches required—done using a focused yag laser eye surgery.

Permanent fix—rarely needs to be repeated.

No need for anesthesia or surgical cuts.

Rapid recovery with improved vision in hours or a few days.

Restores the full benefit of your previous cataract surgery.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before YAG Laser Capsulotomy Treatment

Eat normally and take your regular medications unless advised otherwise.

Let your doctor know about any eye drops or medicines you are using.

You may be given dilating eye drops before the yag laser capsulotomy procedure.

Bring sunglasses—the eye may be sensitive to light after the laser.

You might need someone to accompany you, as your vision could be temporarily blurry.

How YAG Laser Capsulotomy Treatment is Performed?

You will be seated in front of a laser machine (looks like a microscope).

Special eye drops will be applied to dilate your pupil and numb the eye.

The doctor will focus the YAG laser to create a small opening in the cloudy posterior capsule.

The whole yag capsulotomy procedure is painless and typically lasts less than 10 minutes.

No cutting, no bleeding—just a precise laser yag capsulotomy to clear your sight.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before the Procedure:

Eye examination to confirm capsule opacification.

Explanation about the procedure and consent form.

Dilating and numbing eye drops applied.

2. During the Procedure:

You sit comfortably with your chin on the laser machine.

Doctor uses yag capsulotomy laser to create a tiny opening in the capsule.

You might see flashes of light but no pain.

3. After the Procedure:

Mild floaters may appear—usually temporary.

You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drops for a few days.

Vision often improves within 24–48 hours.

Resume normal activities shortly after unless advised otherwise.

Risk and Potential Complications

Temporary increase in eye pressure (usually controlled with drops).

Floaters in your vision (often reduce over time).

Rare risks of retinal detachment, macular edema, or inflammation.

Slight chance of needing additional yag eye surgery later on.

Always follow up with your eye specialist after the yag laser treatment eye.

Results/Outcomes

Vision typically improves within hours or days.

Long-lasting results with no need for repeat surgery in most cases.

High satisfaction and safety rates among patients.

Allows clearer, sharper vision post cataract surgery—as expected originally.